WATERVLIET ARSENAL, N.Y. (Aug. 21, 2014) -- The Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service visited the Watervliet Arsenal today.
During his visit, Chief Master Sgt. Anthony "Tony" Pearson toured Exchange facilities and talked with Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians about how the Exchange can better serve them.
"One of the best parts of my job as Senior Enlisted Advisor is connecting with Soldiers and the federal workforce in person to find out how the Exchange can serve them better," he said. "I'm excited to visit the Watervliet Arsenal and I want the arsenal workforce to know our first duty is to serve them and their families."
Pearson is one of 52 active duty service members assigned to the Exchange to carry out this mission. The Exchange also employs 36,000 civilian associates worldwide.
"The Exchange wants to be the first choice for the workforce at the Watervliet Arsenal," Pearson said. "Exchange prices are remarkably competitive. And, we're always tax-free. This is a tremendous savings."
When shoppers buy from the Exchange, money goes back to supporting quality-of-life services on the installation, he said.
"The benefit is real," Pearson said. "For every dollar earned, historically 67 cents comes back to the military community for the Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation dividend. Our shoppers get the products they want and deserve, and their military community is better for it."
During Pearson's visit, he talked with Staff Sgt. Shasta Carver, a member of the New York Army National Guard, and asked her what would bring her into the Exchange more often.
"Fresh fruit," Carver said. "I have been trying to eat more healthy, having given up caffeine several months ago, but during the day I like to snack on fruit."
Pearson told Carver that if he brings in fresh fruit to the Exchange he expects her to come in twice a day.
No answer, but a smile came from Carver.
The Exchange is a joint nonappropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense with a retail mission to provide quality products, services and food to service members, their families, Reserve and Guard members, plus military retirees. Exchange sales generate earnings to supplement MWR activities.
For more information about the Exchange and Exchange programs, visit shopmyexchange.com .
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